Gaza City:Winter preparations in the Gaza Strip have shifted from typical seasonal activities to a daily struggle for survival as residents face severe shortages in shelter and protection. Many have lost their homes, and the remaining tents fail to shield them from the harsh weather, forcing Gazans to resort to primitive methods to combat rain, wind, and floods.
According to Palestine Info Center, residents have been using mud to seal gaps in damaged dwellings, filling flour bags with sand to create water barriers, and extracting iron bars from rubble to reinforce tent frames. These efforts illustrate the desperate measures taken to cope with the absence of proper shelter supplies and suitable alternatives.
The use of mud highlights the return to primitive construction techniques, as limited resources have left residents with temporary solutions that do not offer real protection. Similarly, the transformation of flour bags from food containers to water barriers underscores the severe shortage of basic materials and the ongoing struggle for survival.
In Khan Yunis, families have resorted to using iron bars from debris to fortify their tents against the elements. However, this approach is fraught with risks, as the extraction process can be dangerous due to unstable debris and potential war remnants.
Residents living near the sea face additional challenges, as rising waves and coastal winds compound the risk of flooding. Families in these areas, forced into makeshift shelters, often wake up to find their belongings soaked, revealing a dire lack of basic necessities such as dry bedding and clothing.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that approximately 950,000 displaced Gazans reside in flood-prone areas. Damage to infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the risks, with more than 85% of Gaza City's infrastructure affected.
The situation demands urgent international assistance to provide adequate shelter materials and repair critical infrastructure. Despite their resourcefulness, Gazans continue to face a harsh winter without the necessary support to ensure their safety and dignity.